Goleta Beach's parking lot partially flooded and filled with debris after high surf Thursday. Credit: Rebecca Caraway / Noozhawk photo

The National Weather Service issued coastal flood and high surf warnings Friday, an upgrade from its previous advisories about the increased risk of drowning and damage to waterfront infrastructure.

“Everyone should remain out of the water due to life-threatening surf conditions” and stay off jetties and piers, the NWS said in its warning Friday afternoon.

The warnings will be in effect for Santa Barbara County’s southeastern and southwestern coasts through 10 p.m. Saturday.

“Large breaking waves of 10 to 15 feet with local sets to 18 feet along, with dangerous rip currents” are expected, and local sets of 15-20 feet are likely along west-facing beaches near Point Conception, the NWS said.

With surfers looking on in anticipation, monster waves crash over the Santa Barbara breakwater on Thursday.
With surfers looking on in anticipation, monster waves crash over the Santa Barbara breakwater on Thursday. Credit: Ed Edick photo

There were multiple ocean rescues Thursday – including surfers and a capsized boat off Hollister Ranch – and people injured by high surf in Oceano Dunes State Park and Ventura, where surf burst over seawalls in beachfront neighborhoods.

Thursday’s morning high tide flooded parking lots at the Santa Barbara Harbor, Leadbetter Beach, and Goleta Beach. It also caused flooding and evacuations at beach campgrounds including Carpinteria and Oceano Dunes state parks.

The high tide times for Santa Barbara during the weather warnings are 12:38 a.m. and 10:41 a.m. Saturday, according to the NWS.

“Significant flooding of sea water is likely over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas around the time of high tide,” the NWS said midday Friday.

“Damage to coastal roadways and structures is possible. Powerful waves and strong rip currents will pose an exceptional risk of ocean drowning and possible damage to coastal structures like piers and jetties. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore.”

Noozhawk executive editor Giana Magnoli can be reached at gmagnoli@noozhawk.com.